A SCHOOL will close early today after three adults and three child have been taken to hospital following a suspected ammonia leak this morning.

Hundreds of children were evacuated from Warblington School, in Havant, after a ‘chemical smell’ was reported to emergency services.

Five fire crews – about 25 firefighters – from across Southsea, Cosham, Havant and Winchester were mobilised to the Southleigh Road school, as well as a hazardous materials truck from Winchester and a command unit.

Paramedics assessed more than 17 people for potential injuries, with three adults and three children being taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Cosham, as a precaution.

The rest of pupils and staff were evacuated into the sports hall while firefighters tackled the incident.

A spokesman for South Coast Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called at 9.54am by the school reporting a suspected ammonia leak.

‘We sent three ambulances, the full hazardous area response team and two officers to the scene.

‘The crews at the scene assessed a total of 17 patients; 11 of those were discharged at the scene but six – three adults and three children – were taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital for further assessment as a precaution.

‘All had very minor symptoms in terms of exposure.’

A statement on the school website said the site would be closing early.

It added: ‘Due to the earlier incident the school is now safe.

‘However, the school will be closing early as there is currently no heating and no catering provision.

‘If you have any concerns, please contact the main school switchboard.

‘Students that are unable get home will remain on site until parents are able to collect them.’

A spokesman from Hampshire Fire and Rescue said officers used two breathing apparatuses and a ventilation machine to assess the school.

Police were also called to the scene.

‘After the search, there was no evidence found of any chemicals,’ the spokesman added.

‘The incident has been handed over to the head teacher.’

Firefighters left the scene at 11.44am.

Warblington School is a mixed comprehensive school for pupils aged 11 to 16.